Systems and methods for controlling flushing apparatus and related interfaces

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to maintaining water quality in a water distribution by controlling a flushing apparatus. In one example implementation, a flushing apparatus performs steps comprising flushing the water distribution system in accordance with a residual flush program, flushing the water distribution system in accordance with a turbidity flush program, flushing the water distribution system in accordance with a pH flush program, and flushing the water distribution system in accordance with a time-based flushing program.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to programmable water qualitymaintenance devices and more particularly to a programmable watersampling and purging apparatus for monitoring and maintaining waterquality in a subterranean or partially subterranean water distributionsystem. The present disclosure further relates to interfaces forcontrolling a water sampling-flushing apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Underground water distribution systems for residential and commercialareas often incorporate low flow or dead end portions by design. Forinstance, fire protection and land development codes often requireoversized water mains for anticipated fire control and peak waterdemands. Such design features, although in the best interest of thecommunity, have the effect of dramatically reducing water flow velocityand potentially increasing instances of poor water quality areas withina water distribution system. The problem is further exacerbated by waterdistribution systems that experience large seasonal fluctuations indemand. These systems often experience additional reduction in waterflow during non-seasonal periods of the year.

Low water flow conditions and corresponding increases in water retentiontime within portions of the water distribution system have the potentialto degrade the chemical and microbiological quality of water transportedthrough the distribution system. Degradation in water quality can resultfrom prolonged exposure to water system materials, internalsedimentation, and/or contaminant deposits within a piping system.Disinfectants are commonly used in an effort to control bacterialgrowth. However, as disinfectant residuals dissipate, bacterial regrowthoccurs.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) setsstandards for tap water and public water systems under the Safe DrinkingWater Act (SDWA). The SDWA requires that potable, or drinkable, watersystems maintain minimum disinfectant residual levels, to prevent theregrowth of bacteria. Mandatory testing programs exist to trackcompliance and identify potential health hazards. Water systems failingto adhere to regulatory or operational water quality standards aresubject to regulatory enforcement action, public disclosure of healthhazards, and increased public and regulatory scrutiny.

Additionally, corrosion rates in low flow and stagnant areas canescalate as chemical reactions and microbiological activity increase.Corrosive water tends to dissolve certain materials commonly used in theconstruction of water distribution systems. The two primary metals ofconcern are iron and lead. Iron is commonly found in piping systemmaterials. Lead is commonly found in older water systems that haveincorporated lead joints, lead composite pipes and/or brass fittings,Elevated iron concentrations can result in violations of drinking waterstandards. In both potable and non-potable water distribution systems,excessive concentrations of iron can result in staining of structuresurfaces, fixtures and clothing.

Water distribution system compliance with water quality regulatorystandards can be evaluated through the collection and analysis of watersamples. Samples can be collected from plumbing systems and stationarywater sampling stations installed within a water system distributionsystem. These designated sampling locations often produce test resultsthat are either inaccurate or not representative of water qualitythroughout the water distribution system. Furthermore, collected data isonly useful if it can be evaluated promptly. When human resources arerequired for such evaluations, this can lead to increased cost.

One approach to addressing water quality degradation in low flow or deadend areas has been to dispatch workers, on an incidental basis, tomanually purge the water from a problem area of a system. This method iscontingent on financial and human resource availability.

An approach to supplement manual flushing operations is the monitoringof increased concentrations of disinfectant residuals, in an attempt tocounteract the effects of disinfectant residual dissipation, which is atime dependent function of chemical and biological reactions. Using thisapproach, the disinfectant residual level of the entire system isincreased or, alternatively, disinfectant booster stations arepositioned at strategic areas along the water distribution system.Disinfectants break down over time and thereby become less effective.Therefore, disinfectant levels must be maintained at appropriate levels.For example, the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act is expected toestablish a maximum limit of 4 mg/l for chlorine.

The complexity of water quality as a subject is reflected in the manytypes of measurements of water quality indicators. Some of the followingmeasurements are possible in direct contact with a water source inquestion: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, OxygenReduction potential (ORP), turbidity, Secchi disk depth, requiringdirect contact with the water source in question. More complexmeasurements can sometimes require a lab setting for which a watersample must be collected, preserved, and analyzed at another location.Making these complex measurements can be expensive. Because directmeasurements of water quality can be expensive, monitoring programs aretypically conducted by government agencies. The cost of implementationof monitoring programs can be reduced by automating sampling andflushing operations. In at least one implementation of the technology,water conditions can be tested or monitored by a programmable apparatus.A programmable apparatus can be configured to receive monitoring andmaintenance instructions. Instructions can be input through one or moreinterfaces via an electronic device in signal communication with aprogrammable apparatus.

There exist apparatuses capable of analyzing water quality and purginglow quality water from low flow or dead end areas of water distributionsystems. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,704 and U.S. Pat. No.6,880,556 to Newman, which are fully incorporated by reference herein.These apparatuses provide for the analytical and purging function of theapparatus to be controllable by a remotely operated device. However, theexisting apparatuses can be improved upon through better monitoring:methods and increased levels of automation within this technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a water flushing station within the technology

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a water flushing control networkwithin the technology;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a programmable automatic waterflushing system (PAWFS) communicatively coupled to a remote electronicdevice within the technology;

FIG. 4 illustrates an operational status window within the technology;

FIG. 5 illustrates a operation configuration and status window withinthe technology;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alarm status window within the technology;

FIG. 7 illustrates flow status window within the technology;

FIG. 8 illustrates a chlorine residual level monitoring window withinthe technology; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an implementation of a method within the technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As will be appreciated for simplicity and clarity of illustration, whereappropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the differentfigures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the implementations described herein. However, it willbe understood that the implementations described herein can be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, methods, proceduresand components have not been described in detail so as not to obscurethe related relevant feature being described. Also, the description isnot to be considered as limiting the scope of the implementations of thetechnology described herein.

The technology includes methods, uses and implementations of one or moreprograms executable by a processor. The technology includes methods,uses and implementations pertaining to controls, including digitalcontrols for dynamic systems. See Modern Control Systems, by RichardDorf and Digital Control of Dynamic Systems, by Gene Franklin fordiscussions of control theory. Modern Control Systems and DigitalControl of Dynamic Systems are fully incorporated by reference herein.

Several definitions that apply throughout the disclosure of thetechnology will now be presented. The word “coupled” is defined asconnected, whether directly or indirectly through interveningcomponents, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. Theterm “communicatively coupled” is defined as connected, whether directlyor indirectly through intervening components, is not necessarily limitedto a physical connection, and allows for the transfer of data. The term“electronic device” is defined as any electronic device that is capableof at least accepting information entries from a user and includes thedevice's own power source. A “wireless communication” includescommunication that occurs without wires using electromagnetic radiation.The term “memory” refers to transitory memory and non-transitory memory.For example, non-transitory memory can be implemented as Random AccessMemory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), flash, ferromagnetic, phase-changememory, and other non-transitory memory technologies. “Coupled” refersto a relationship between items which may have one or more intermediateparts or items to which they are connected. “Reagent” refers to asubstance or compound that is added to a system in order to bring abouta chemical reaction or is added to determine if a reaction occurs. “pH”is a measure of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. (Purewater is considered to be neutral, with a pH close to 7.0 at 25° C. (77°F.)). Solutions with a pH less than 7 are said to be acidic andsolutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline. “Drinkingwater” or “potable water” is water of sufficiently high quality that itcan be consumed or used with low risk of immediate or long term harm tohumans or large animals. “Sampling” is the reduction of a continuoussignal to a discrete signal. A common example is the conversion of asound wave (a continuous signal) to a sequence of samples (adiscrete-time signal). A “sample” refers to a value or set of values ata point in time and/or space. A “water sample” can include sampled wateror data associated with sampled water. “Sampling frequency” or “samplingrate” is the number of samples obtained in a given period of time.“Turbitity” is the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused byindividual particles (suspended solids) that are generally invisible tothe naked eye. Turbidity can be used as an indicator of water quality.“Disinfectant residual” or simply “residual” is a measure of the amountof disinfectant present in a given volume of water, and can be expressedin the units such as mg/L (miligrams per Liter). “Firmware” includesfixed, often relatively small, programs and/or data structures thatinternally control various electronic devices. “Programmable logicdevice” or PLD is an electronic component used to build reconfigurabledigital circuits. A PLD has an undefined function at the time ofmanufacture and before a PLD can be used in a circuit it must beprogrammed. “Operator” can refer to a human being or an electronicdevice configured to receive signals and send instructions. “Window”includes at least a display of a device and a web page.

The needs of individual water distributions systems and the needs ofwater sources within systems can vary according to many parameters,including the intended use of the water, the environmental conditions inwhich water resides and the demand for water in a given area or region.As will be discussed below, it can be beneficial to flush or clear waterin a certain area. Thus, it can be important to monitor and controlflushing operations under changing conditions.

Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of thetechnology. Each example is provided by way of explanation of thetechnology only, not as a limitation of the technology. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications andvariations can be made in the present technology. For instance, featuresdescribed as part of one implementation of the technology can be used onanother implementation to yield a still further implementation. Thus, itis intended that the present technology cover such modifications andvariations that come within the scope of the technology.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example implementation of a water monitoring andflushing station 100 within the technology. Programming interface 102enables data to be received by and sent from a processor. Sample port105, connects a sampler to a water source via a sample line 104, andenables water samples to be collected for analysis from a sampling point186. Communication between the solenoid controlled valve 120 can beenabled via a wire 131. In some implementations, communication can bewireless. Splash guard 106 which is connected to base 108, shieldscomponents within the base from flushed water and minimizes erosion.Splash guard 106 may be constructed of plastic or other suitablematerials. The base 108, which may be at least partially subterranean,maintains the system in an upright configuration, as shown. Within thebase 108, a low pressure relief valve 110 may be provided in order toenable the manual draining of the system. Proximate the relief valve iscontrol valve 120 for activation during flushing operations. The controlvalve can be interposed along a flow line between the relief valve 110and a cam-lock release system 130. The cam-lock release system 130 canbe provided to enable the components of the system 100 which are aboveit to be removed. The system 100 can be connected to the remainder ofthe line 185 at a male thread point 135. The line can connected to aflow meter 140 within a flow meter housing 145 and a curb stop 150within a curb stop housing 155. The line is further comprised by a pipe170 which is coupled to the system 100. The pipe 170 can be connected toa distribution line 180 via a corp stop 175. As illustrated in FIG. 1,some of the components of the system reside above ground level 160, andsome components reside below ground level 160. It will be understoodthat other configurations are possible within the technology and that insome configurations all components described above may not be present.Furthermore, additional components may be added within the technology.

In at least one implementation of the technology, one or more probes areused to evaluate water properties. Probes can be used to measurechlorine or chloramine levels, or the levels of other disinfectants.Probes can be used to measure or test for temperature, pH and turbidityor temperature, pH or turbidity, or any combination thereof. Probes arean example of a water sampling device.

Referring to FIG. 2, an example programmable automatic water flushingsystem (PAWFS) 206 powered by a power source 212 can be communicativelycoupled to a remote apparatus such as a supervisory control and dataacquisition system 202 (also known as a SCADA), or to a web portal 204or a web page. A PAWFS can be connected or coupled to a residualanalyzer 210 or other devices 208 such as probes or meters, and thelike. Again, it will be noted that FIG. 2 and the other figuresillustrate non-limiting examples, and modifications may be necessary tomake a system work in particular network environments.

As shown in FIG. 2, in at least one implementation of the technology,the PAWFS can be powered by a single phase 120V (60 Hz) or a singlephase 220V (60 Hz) source 212. The power source 212 can be internal orexternal to the system 100.

With reference to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a PAWFS device 206 inaccordance with an example implementation is illustrated. As shown, thedevice 206 can include a processor 308 that controls the operation ofthe PAWFS 206, such as facilitating communications with a remote device302 at remote locations, sending signals to a controller 304, receivingsignals from a controller 304, receiving data from a sampling device310, executing programs 316 stored in memory 314, providing a graphicaluser interface, and so forth. A communication subsystem (not shown)performs communication transmission and reception with a remote device302. Additionally, in at least one implementation, the processor 308 canbe coupled to a serial port (for example, a Universal Serial Bus port,not shown) that facilitates communication with other devices or systemsvia the serial port. A display can be communicatively coupled to theprocessor 308 to facilitate display of information to an operator of theflushing system 306. The remote device 302 can be equipped with akeyboard, which can be physical or virtual (for example, displayed), andthe keyboard can be communicatively coupled to the processor 308. Othersubsystems 326 and other device subsystems (e.g., 208) are generallyindicated as communicatively coupled with the processor 308. An exampleof a communication subsystem is a short-range communication system suchas a BLUETOOTH® communication module or a WI-FI® communication module (acommunication module in compliance with IEEE 802.11b) and associatedcircuits and components. Long range communication to a remote device canbe via 400-900 MHz radio signals, micro-wave radio signals or byEthernet based radio signals. Additionally, the processor 308 canperform operating system functions and executes programs 316 or softwareapplications within the PAWFS 206. Programs 316 can be executedaccording to software or firmware stored in memory 314. Water collectedfrom a source 312 (e.g., 186) near a station can be sampled by one ormore samplers 310, with the data collected by the sampler input to theprocessor 308. Water sampling by the sampler can be controlled by thecontroller 304 in accordance with instructions executed by the processor308. Sample data can be used by a remote operator 302 to make decisionsabout flushing operations, or used as a dependent variable for variousprograms 316 executed by the processor 308. In some implementations, notall of the above components are included in the PAWFS 206. Additionally,an auxiliary I/O subsystem (not shown) can take the form of one or moredifferent navigation tools (multi-directional or single-directional),external display devices such as keyboards, and other subsystems capableof providing input or receiving output from the system 306.

A monitoring apparatus within the system 100 can be configured to sendan alarm to a remote location 302 in a predefined set of circumstances,for example, if an action called for by controlling software fails tooccur, a fault code or fault signal or both can be generated and relayedas appropriate. An operator at the remote location 302 can then overridethe system electronics to instruct the system to flush a poor waterquality area or take other actions, if desired. Alternatively, anapparatus can be configured to automatically flush the line in thiscircumstance. Furthermore, an apparatus can be configured to send analarm and await a signal from a remote location to either flush or notflush a line. If a predetermined amount of time elapses since the alarmsignal, the device can send another alarm signal to a remote location orto flush the line.

The processor 308 can be configured to send and receive signals ormessages. As will be described in greater detail below, the controller304 can be enabled to actuate one or more actuators upon the receivingof either remote or local signals. A system within the technology can beequipped with components to enable operation of various programs 316, asshown in FIG. 3. As shown, the memory 314 can provide storage for theoperating system 324, device programs 316, data, and the like. Theoperating system 324 can be generally configured to manage otherprograms 326 that are also stored in memory and executable on theprocessor 308. The operating system 324 can handle requests for servicesmade by programs 316 through predefined program interfaces. Morespecifically, the operating system can typically determine the order inwhich multiple programs 316 are executed on the processor 308 and theexecution time allotted for each program 316, manages the sharing ofmemory 314 among multiple programs 316, handles input and output to andfrom other device subsystems, and so forth. In addition, operators caninteract directly with the operating system 324 through an interface,either remotely or locally, typically including a keyboard or keypad anda display screen. The operating system 324, programs 316, data, andother information can be stored in memory 314, RAM, read-only memory(ROM), or another suitable storage element (not shown).

A remote electronic device 302 can include a touch-sensitive display ortouchscreen that includes one or more touch location sensors, anoverlay, and a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or lightemitting diode (LED) display. The touch location sensor(s) can be acapacitive, resistive, infrared, surface acoustic wave (SAW), or othertype of touch-sensitive sensor. A touch, or touch contact, can bedetected by a touchscreen and processed by the processor of theelectronic device or the system processor, for example, to determine alocation of the touch. Touch location data can include the center of thearea of contact or the entire area of contact for further processing. Atouch may be detected from a contact member, such as a body part of auser, for example a finger or thumb, or other objects, for example astylus, pen, or other pointer, depending on the nature of the touchlocation sensor. In other examples, the keyboard is a virtual keyboardprovided on a touch screen display. Such touch applications can be usedto increase the functionality of one or more display screens or windowswithin the technology, as will be discussed below.

In at least one implementation of the technology, a controller 304automatically operates an electrical solenoid (e.g., 306) to actuate awater valve (e.g., 120). The controller 304 can be configured to be insignal communication with one or more electronic devices 302 as well asthe processor 308. The controller 304 can be of a modular design and beenabled to be retrofitted to an existing flushing apparatus (e.g., 120,306).

Signal communication with a remote device 302 can be through a cellularnetwork, such as GSM or GPRS networks. The technology can be configuredto send and receive serial signal communications via one or morewireless networks. The technology can also be configured to communicatewith a remote device 302 via an Ethernet connection, a 400-900 MHzradio, a microwave radio or a BLUETOOTH® device. Other signalconnectivities are possible within the technology.

The controller 304 can be programming: using standard programminglanguages, including Basic and one or more object-oriented languages.

The controller 304 may be configured to comprise the following: 1)digital outputs for control of a flushing solenoid, wherein one outputcan send an ‘open’ signal to the solenoid, wherein a second output cansend a ‘close’ signal to the solenoid; 2) a digital input for feedbackof operation of the flushing valve position (open or closed); at leastone digital input in signal communication with a flow meter; 3) digitalinput to receive a signal from tamper evident to detect when anenclosure containing the controller has been accessed or opened; 4)digital input to receive a signal when an enclosure containing aflushing mechanism has been accessed or opened; 5) digital input toreceive a flush signal from a local switch or a remote terminal unit; 6)at least one analog (4-20 ma) input configured for chlorine residualmonitoring (resolution 12 bits); 7) at least one analog (4-20 ma) inputfor turbidity monitoring; 8) at least one analog (4-20 ma) input for themonitoring of pH levels; 9) at least one input in signal communicationwith a temperature sensor; 10) additional inputs and 11) additionaloutputs.

In at least one implementation of the technology, the processor 308 canbe configured to execute multiple selectable flushing programs. Forexample, flushing can be scheduled to occur on specific days; flushingcan be scheduled to occur at certain times; flushing can be scheduled tooccur for a specific length of time. Other flushing programs 316 arepossible within the technology.

The processor 308 can be further configured to execute one or moreflushing programs calibrated to a pre-set chlorine (or otherdisinfectant) residual level sampled by the sampler 310. The processor308 can be configured to activate a flushing mechanism 306 or meansaccording to a Chlorine (or other disinfectant) residual thresholdlevel, according to input analog signal scaling parameters; andaccording to a pre-determined hysteresis band related to a flush startsignal and a flush stop signal correlated to a predetermined sampleddisinfectant concentration level.

Within the technology, a 4-20 mA input signal can be provided to theprocessor to monitor turbidity levels. The processor 308 can beprogrammed to establish correct scaling of a turbidity signal dependingon the means by which turbidity is measured. One or more processors canbe configured to execute a flushing program 316 based upon a pre-setturbidity level. The selectable parameters can include a turbiditythreshold level, input analog signal scaling parameters and hysteresisband for flush start and flush stop.

According to at least one implementation of the technology, a 4-20 mAinput signal can be provided to the processor 308 to monitor pH leveland to establish correct scaling of pH signal depending on the means bywhich pH is determined for the device. Flushing programs based upon apre-set pH level. Selectable parameters within the system 100 caninclude: 1) a pH threshold level; 2) input analog signal scalingparameters; 3) a hysteresis band for flush start and stop fromset-point. Other selectable parameters are possible within thetechnology.

According to at least one implementation of the technology, theprocessor 308 can be configured to execute flushing programs 316 basedupon a pre-set water temperature. Selectable water temperature flushingprograms can be correlated to water temperature level, input analogsignal scaling parameters and a hysteresis band for flush start andflush stop from set temperature point. Other selectable temperaturerelated flushing programs 326 and selectable parameters are possiblewithin the technology.

In at least one implementation of the technology, a controller 304 canbe configured to have at least one selectable internet protocol address.Implementations can also be configured to communicate with a remotedevice 302 according to the the transfer protocol and to communicate viasimple mail transfer protocol. Further implementations can he configuredaccording to a network time protocol.

In order to prevent unauthorized access to a flushing system 100 withinthe technology, the PAWFS 206 can be configured with multiple levels ofaccess to the controller 304. The controller 304 can he configured withat least the following levels or modes of access: A visualization modein which an operator can view all system values, either remotely orlocally, but cannot execute at least one command; a command mode, inwhich an operator can view all system values and execute commands,either remotely or locally; and an engineer mode, in which an operatorcan view all values, execute commands, and send applications andprograms or applications and programs to the PAWFS 206, or canreconfigure system parameters and system programs, as discussed above,remotely or locally. The ability to reconfigure and reprogram a systemwithin the technology enables a system to be adaptable to changingconditions such as, for example, environmental conditions and legalrequirements. For example, if the maximum allowable level of a residualwere changed by law, a system within the technology could bereconfigured with flushing programs using the revised standard as afunction.

In at least one implementation, a controller 304 can be configured tosend an alarm or alert if a flushing system 100 is tampered with oraccessed by an unauthorized user. In at least one implementation, acontroller 304 can be configured to shut down or power off in the eventof an improper access. A controller 304 can he configured to control awater sampling device.

In at least one implementation within the technology, a systemcontroller 304 can be configured to be accessible via the internet orthe World Wide Web page access. A system controller 304 can be providedwith web-based Uniform Resource Locator links in order to provide accessvia a web browser. In at least one implementation, the controller 304 isaccessible via Modbus-remote terminal communications. Modbus addressescan be accessed remotely, as via a SCADA 102 for instance. Thus,integration with a preexisting SCADA 102 can be achieved.

In at least one implementation within the technology, multiple systemcontrollers (e.g., 304) can be integrated into a larger overall system.Software, executed remotely or via controllers (e.g., 304) in signalcommunication with each other, can enable integration and data access tomultiple controllers (e.g., 304). Data from controllers (e.g., 304) canbe stored in one or more databases for retrieval, display and analysis.

Implementations of the technology can include the following web pages todisplay system information: An ‘index page,’ or ‘landing page,’displaying relevant contact information and navigation links to otherweb pages, which may be embedded web pages; an operation overviewdisplay, which can display a chronological summary of changes in ‘on’and ‘off’ status of one or more flushing solenoids or other flushingmeans, a current status of a flushing mechanism, a selector forautomatic or manual flushing, a selector for opening or closing aflushing solenoid (if manual flushing has been selected), and a graphdepicting ‘on/off’ operation of a flushing solenoid; an alarms displaypage, which displays information pertaining to any alarm conditions thatare active within a unit, as well as an historical summary of previousalarms.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example operational status window 400 as set forthabove. Valve operation selector 402 enables toggling of a flushingsystem 100 between manual and automatic modes. Selector 404 enables auser to input a command to open or close a flushing valve at amonitoring station 100. Status indicator 406 provides an indication ofwhether a valve is open or closed or on or off. Trend display 408 trackswhen a valve has been opened or closed, and for how long. Achronological overview 410 of flushing operations is illustratedindicating times of valve operations.

Implementations of the technology can also include at least one programoperation web page, which can display an overview of selectable flushingprograms for a controller. A program operation page or display canindicate if a program is enabled or disabled, and provide for selectionof a program by day or week operation, program start time and flushingprogram duration.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example program operation web page 500 (orwindow). The window 500 shown in FIG. 5 depicts ten selectable flushprograms, as described above.

Implementations of the technology can also include a chlorine levelpage, which can display a trend of residual levels of chlorine versustime based on a sampling period of data collection. Furtherimplementations can also include a turbidity level page which candisplay a trend of turbidity versus time based on sampling period ofdata collection. Further implementations of the technology can include apH level display, which is configured to display a trend chart for pHlevel versus time based on sampling period of data collection. Furtherimplementations of the technology can comprise a water temperaturedisplay, which can display a trend of water temperature versus timebased on sampling period of data collection.

FIG. 6 illustrates an implementation of an alarm status page 600 withinthe technology. An alarm status indicator 602 provides alarm data for asystem 100.

FIG. 7 illustrates a water flow page 700. Flow indicator window 702 canbe configured to display flow data collected by a flow meter within thetechnology. Indicator 704 provides data concerning the total quantity ofwater flushed by a system within a selectable period of time. Flush rateindicator 706 displays a flow rate. In the example shown rate isexpressed in gallons per minute, though other expressions are possiblewithin the technology, for example liters per minute.

FIG. 8 illustrates a chlorine level trending page 800. Trending window802 can depict past chlorine levels for a particular system 100. Currentvalue indicator 804 can provide a real time indication of chlorinelevels at a particular sampling point.

In at least one implementation of the technology, a web page can beprovided which displays the status of one or more controllers.Controller status can comprise pertinent data about the operation andconfiguration of individual controllers.

In at least one implementation, a parameter setting web page can beprovided to enable selection of high and low scaling values fordisinfectant residual levels, pH levels, turbidity levels, andtemperature levels, in addition to hysteresis settings and values.

Thus, a PAWFS 206 allows for two way communication and remote flushingunit 100 management through a secure web access point or a secureinterface in signal communication with a supervisory control and dataacquisition system. The PAWFS 206 can be configured to provide and logreal time data to an operator. The PAWFS 206 can he integrated withexterior water management devices, such as a SCADA system 202. The PAWFS206 can be configurable to cause flushing of poor water quality areaswhen disinfectant residual falls below selectable parameters and underother selectable conditions. Furthermore, the PAWFS 206 can beprogrammed to flush or clear liquids in accordance with at least onetime-based function.

It will be understood that the various windows and pages described aboveand illustrated in the Figures provide interfaces through which a remoteoperator can monitor and direct the flushing and sampling operations ofa system 100. The windows and pages further enable operators to resetand reconfigure flushing and sampling operations and parameters, therebyreducing the need for manual operations.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example method 900 within the technology. Theillustration depicts that remote configuration of system parameters isenabled throughout the execution of the method. For example, remoteconfiguration 901 of multiple program parameters 905, 958, 909 ispossible. Further, remote configuration 902 of various flushingparameters such residual levels 910, turbidity levels 912 and pH levels914. As discussed above, other configuration settings are possiblewithin the technology. Once the system is started 925, various steps orsequences can occur in parallel, for example flushing actions 920, datacollection 922, alarm sequences 924, communication sequences 926 anddata display 928. When a series of steps is completed, as will beexplained below, the system can return to the start 925 and thesequences can be performed again. Thus water quality data is continuallyupdated and water quality within a system can be maintained. At 940 thesystem checks to see if a command to flush based on a residual level hasbeen activated. If yes, the system will flush 942 if necessary inaccordance with the parameters 910 selected by the operator. The systemthen checks if a command to flush based on turbidity 944 has beenselected. If a command to flush based on turbidity 944 has beenselected, the system will flush 946 if necessary according to theturbidity settings 912 imposed by an operator. The system will thendetermine whether a command to flush based on pH level 948 has beenselected. If so, the system will flush 950 if required by the pHsettings 914 programmed by an operator. The system then moves on to 952where it checks whether Program 1 has been activated. If ‘Program 1’ hasbeen activated the system will flush 954 if required to do so by thesettings 905 set by an operator. The system will then move on to‘Program 2’ 956 and so on through each program, flushing the system whenrequired by and in accordance with the settings (e.g., 958) asprogrammed by an operator or pre-installed. Once all programs (e.g.,952, 956) have been cycled the system returns to start 925. In parallelwith the flushing actions 920, the system also collects data 922. At 960the system checks to determine whether flushing solenoid has beenchanged from an ‘off’ setting to an ‘on’ setting and whether theflushing solenoid has been changed from an ‘on’ setting to an ‘off’setting. If a setting change has occurred, the system will log the timeand date of the change. After a predetermined amount of time has elapsed968, for example 30 minutes, the system can log the value of a residuallevel 970 for a water sample, log the value of turbidity level 972 for awater sample, log the value of the level 974 for a water sample and loga temperature value for a water sample (not shown). Other log settingsare possible within the technology.

Also in parallel with the flushing actions 920 and data collection 922the system can check alarm settings and values 924. The system can checkto see if any alarms have been triggered 976, for example, if a flushingstation has been accessed by an unauthorized actor. If an alarm has beentriggered, the system can log the alarm. The system can be configured tothen send an alarm notification to a remote location for review by anoperator.

Throughout the parallel systems described above, communications 926 withone or more remote locations are possible. The system can respond to anydata requests via a RS485 port, via an Ethernet connection 984 or via aGSM or GPRS port. As discussed above, communications with remote and/orlocal locations and operators is possible via other electronic means.The system provides information on one or more displays, which can beinternet displays 928. As discussed above, the technology can displaysystem operational status 988 for a flushing/sampling station, andresidual level data 990, including historical trends and data logging.The technology can display turbidity information 992, pH information994, other system information, including current and past systemparameters and settings 996, and navigation and contact information 998for a system. The display data can be combined with display data frommultiple stations.

A station within the technology can include a flow controlled passagefor pressurized water having an inlet adapted for fluid connection to asubterranean pressurized water distribution system, the flow controlledpassage having a conduit for directing pressurized water received in theinlet to an above ground routing conduit for redirecting pressurizedwater. The technology can include a flow control valve disposed along aflow controlled passage for permitting and prohibiting the flow ofpressurized water through the flow controlled passage, a memory, a watersampling apparatus connected to a water source, and a controller insignal communication with said flow control valve. The technology caninclude a processor in signal communication with the water samplingapparatus and the controller. The processor can be configured to executea flushing program stored in memory. The processor can be configured toactuate the controller according to various flushing programs, wherebythe controller is enabled to control the flow of pressurized water byactivating and deactivating the flow control valve. Implementations ofthe technology include an interface in signal communication with theprocessor whereby an operator can input instructions to the processor orthe memory or both.

In at least one implementation of the technology, the processor can beconfigured to receive water sampling data from the water samplingapparatus and store the water sampling data in memory. A samplingapparatus can be controlled by a controller in accordance with commandsor instructions from the processor.

In at least one implementation of the technology, the processor can beconfigured to transmit water sampling data to at least one remote deviceor remote location.

As discussed above, sampled water data can include disinfectant residuallevel data, pH level data, turbidity level data and temperature data.

The implementations, examples and descriptions set forth above should inno way be considered as limiting the subject matter of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of maintaining water quality in a waterdistribution system using a flushing and sampling station, comprising:flushing the water distribution system in accordance with a residualflush program stored in a memory of the flushing and sampling stationbased on a plurality of residual flush parameters when it is determiningthat a residual level command to flush the water distribution system isactive, the residual level command to flush being triggered by aresidual set point level; flushing the water distribution system inaccordance with a turbidity flush program stored in the memory of theflushing and sampling station based on a plurality of turbidity flushparameters when it is determining that a turbidity command to flush thewater distribution system is active, the turbidity command to flushbeing triggered by a turbidity set point level; flushing the waterdistribution system in accordance with a pH flush program stored in thememory of the flushing and sampling station based on a plurality of pHflush parameters when it is determining that a pH command flush thewater distribution system is active, the pH command to flush beingtriggered by a pH set point level; and flushing the water distributionsystem in accordance with a time-based flushing program stored in thememory of the flushing and sampling station based on at least oneprogram parameter when it is determined that the flushing program isactive.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: setting theresidual set point level, the turbidity set point level, and the pH setpoint level by an operator of the flushing and sampling station.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the flushing and sampling station furthercomprises: a flow controlled passage for pressurized water having aninlet adapted for fluid connection to the water distribution system, theflow controlled passage having a conduit for directing pressurized waterreceived in the inlet to an above ground routing conduit for redirectingthe pressurized water; a flow control valve disposed along the flowcontrolled passage for enabling the flushing of the water distributionsystem by permitting and prohibiting the flow of pressurized waterthrough the flow controlled passage; and a water sampling apparatus forobtaining water sample data corresponding to a sample of the pressurizedwater from the water passageway.
 4. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising: determining a state change of the flow control valve of theflushing and sampling station; and logging a time and date of the statechange of the flow control valve.
 5. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising; logging a residual level value of water in the waterdistribution system; logging a turbidity level value of water in thewater distribution system; logging a pH level value of water in thewater distribution system; and logging a temperature level value ofwater in the water distribution system.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein at least one of logging the residual level value, logging theturbidity level value, logging the pH level value, and logging thetemperature value occurs a predetermined time after determining a statechange of the flow control valve.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining whether an alarm has been triggered; logging atime of the alarm when it is determined that the alarm has beentriggered; and sending an alarm notification to an operator of theflushing and sampling station when it is determined that the alarm hasbeen triggered.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:communicating with a remote location by responding to a data requestfrom the remote location.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:displaying an operational status of the flushing and sampling station,the operational status including at least one of turbidity information,pH information, historical trend information, and data logginginformation.
 10. A method of maintaining water quality in a waterdistribution system including: providing a flow controlled passage forpressurized water having an inlet adapted for fluid connection to asubterranean pressurized water distribution system, the flow controlledpassage having a conduit for directing pressurized water received in theinlet to an above ground routing conduit for redirecting the pressurizedwater, providing a flow control valve disposed along the flow controlledpassage for permitting and prohibiting the flow of pressurized waterthrough the flow controlled passage; providing a memory; providing awater sampling device connected to a water source; placing a controllerin signal communication with the flow control valve; placing a processorin signal communication with the water sampling device and thecontroller, and executing flushing programs stored in the memory andactuating the controller according to the flushing programs, whereby thecontroller controls the flow of pressurized water through the flowcontrolled passage by activating and deactivating the flow controlvalve; and inputting instructions to the processor via at least oneinterface in signal communication with the processor for execution bythe processor.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receivingwater sampling data from the water sampling apparatus; storing the watersampling data in the memory; and transmitting the water sampling data toat least one remote device.
 12. The method of claim 11, furtherincluding: utilizing the water sampling data as function within theflushing program.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the water samplingdata comprises one of disinfectant residual, pH, turbidity, andtemperature.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the interface is a webpage.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the interface is a SCADAsystem.
 16. A method of maintaining water quality in a waterdistribution system using a flushing and sampling station, comprising:flushing the water distribution system in accordance with a plurality offlushing programs stored in a memory of the flushing and samplingstation when it is determined that the flushing program is active;determining whether an alarm has been triggered; logging a time of thealarm when it is determined that an alarm has been triggered;determining a state change of the flow control valve of the flushing andsampling station; and logging a time and date of the state change of theflow control valve when it is determined that a state change of the flowcontrol valve has occurred.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: logging a residual level value of water in the waterdistribution system; logging a turbidity level value of water in thewater distribution system; logging a pH level value of water in thewater distribution system; and logging a temperature level value ofwater in the water distribution system.
 18. The method of claim 16,further comprising: sending an alarm notification to an operator of theflushing and sampling station when it is determined that an alarm hasbeen triggered.
 19. The method of dam 16, further comprising:communicating with a remote location by responding to a data requestfrom the remote location; and displaying an operational status of theflushing and sampling station.
 20. The method of dam 19, whereindisplaying the operation status of the flushing and sampling stationfurther comprises displaying at least one of turbidity information, pHinformation, historical trend information, and data logging information.